Testing . . . testing . . .

The new camera is in!

Readin' more

This book has captured my attention. The author also wrote The Virgin Suicides.

Ugly sweater

Saturday I went to an ugly sweater party. If you're looking for a party theme, this is a good one! People feel creative coming up with the ugliest sweater they can find, and there's a new conversation piece each time someone walks in the door.

The hosts made stickers with numbers for each guest to wear, and there was a "fashion show" to the tune of "I'm Too Sexy" so everyone could see all the sweaters before filling out the ballots, which had a few categories, including "best 3-D sweater" and "best sparkly sweater." (Weezer's "Sweater Song" was a popular song too.) Wrapped prizes were given to the winners, and these were sweater-themed: Dryel, lint brush, sweater shaver.

Here's my sweater. I knew it was a winner when I held it up for my friend Marta and she was speechless. Marta wore a multicolored fuzzy sweater that looked like it was made up of novelty yarn, and Paul wore a very ugly sweater with golf scenes on the front and back.

Say "cheese"

This time next week I hope to be shooting pictures on my very own, and first, digital camera! I'm sooooo excited. Last July I thought seriously about buying one but then I didn't do it. Now I've finally bit the bullet, and spent all my yarn and fabric money for a while. I think it'll be something I'll use a lot.

Readin'

I'm too busy reading this engrossing book to knit or sew.

My loved ones gave me culture

Viva la Nashville! For my birthday in December, my mom and dad took me to the Frist Center to see the pop art exhibit, which is on loan from the Whitney. Very cool, and it runs through February 11 if you're interested.

Last Saturday Paul scored Nashville Symphony tickets from a professor who was too tired to go! I had never been to the new
Schermerhorn Symphony Center ("skirmerhorn"), which opened in September. I thought it was surprisingly cozy; I didn't feel miles away from the symphony, or like I was in a gigantic space. A solo violinist played, and there were a few other pieces that the symphony performed. It was a fantastic night!

Big picture: Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Little picture: Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Hello.

(I know Snoopy was a beagle, but doesn't Dodger bear a resemblance?)

Too fun fabrics

I found these at Repo Depot, an online store:

Dishcloth dish

The mid-month dishcloth for January seems very odd to me. It's a cable pattern that doesn't quite work.

My anticipation of the Monthly Dishcloth KAL has reached dorkiness levels. I'm eager for it days before it begins.

Mon ami tricot

(I hope that translates to "my knitting friend" in French, but my knowledge of French is severely lacking, so I have my doubts!)

Until several months ago I had a really cool neighbor named Cecile who was a fellow dog person. Sadly for Berry Hill, Nashville, and all the doggie friends, Cecile relocated to her native France, leaving us all Cecile-less and Pitchoune-less. Pitchoune is Cecile's constant companion, champion frisbee catcher, and all-around sweet little poodle girl. She and Dodger are great friends. And although he weighed about twice as much as she did and sometimes tackled her, Pitchoune could outrun Dodger and still played with him.

Unbeknownst to me, Cecile recently checked out Lookee Here! and emailed me for the pattern for Paul's Hat 2, which is the "First Hat" pattern in Knit 2 Together. I was happy to oblige! Also, Cecile sent me the cutest darn pictures of her and Pitchoune.

We miss you, Cecile and Pitchoune! Orlando says hi!

Dodgerama

Not only do I have Mr. Dodger himself, but also I have a very cool painting of him! My sister Anna painted this as a school project from a photograph of Dodger when I first got him. I was hoping she would give it to me someday. I got it as a Christmas present! Anna also bought me a white blouse and a jacket that fit me perfectly, which is amazing considering we do not have the same body shape.

Funky Monkey

Finally, finally gave this poor little sock monkey some child-safe felt eyes today; the monkey's been almost-complete for a few weeks. Last weekend I knit a keyhole scarf (inspired by Stitch N' Bitch) from some leftover Rowan kid classic yarn. I love to bust my stash of leftovers! It's a pretty heathered pink that I'm not sure comes across well on my camera phone.

I usually think of sock monkeys as male, but perhaps this one is a girl and could use a skirt or hat or something?

M-D Moss Grid Hand Towel

I enjoy Euroflax yarn (sportweight; 100% linen); I just wish it wasn't so pricey. It's got that nice natural-fiber-so-it-breathes vibe going on.

Too cute

Here's some things I think are just too cute: clothes from Anthropologie, a knit hat pattern from Knit Picks, and a messenger bag sewing pattern by Amy Butler.

Paul's Hat 2: Return of the Purl

This is "First Hat" from Knit 2 Together, made with 1 ball of Knit Pick's Sierra yarn on size 10 needles. I started and finished it tonight--that's quick!